Woodside Park

Beneath the canopy of ancient trees, a quiet drama unfolded. Woodside Park whispers stories of time. It started as the sprawling Alton Farm, the beloved estate of Crosby Stuart Noyes. He was the owner of the Washington Evening Star newspaper. Upon his death in 1908, the land passed to his children. His will stipulated that his widow could remain on the estate until her own passing in 1914. Woodside Park, once a single entity, transformed. The Noyes children sold the property to the Woodside Development Corporation in 1922. Imagine the scene as the corporation carved the vast farm into approximately one-acre lots. Many of these original plots were later subdivided into smaller parcels. Today, Woodside Park stands as a testament to this evolution. It boasts a mix of architectural styles, reflecting the changing tastes of the 20th century. As you stroll along its winding roads, picture the original streams that once flowed through the land. Most now run beneath the surface, hidden within a network of pipes. The neighborhood has a rich history, marked by both progress and painful truths. From the 1920s to the 1960s, racially restrictive covenants cast a shadow over Woodside Park. These covenants sought to exclude African Americans, using language disguised as concern for “sanitation and health.” This dark chapter serves as a reminder of the struggles for equality. Today, Woodside Park embraces diversity. It is home to a vibrant Orthodox Jewish community. The Woodside Synagogue Ahavas Torah, established in 1974, stands as a center of faith. The entire neighborhood falls within the Shepherd Park/Woodside Community Eruv, a symbolic boundary. This signifies Woodside Park’s inclusion within a larger Jewish community. Woodside Park retains its unique charm. The Woodside Park Civic Association plays a vital role. It publishes a monthly newsletter, The Vo!ce, and hosts community events like Oktoberfest, Halloween festivities, and an annual picnic. These gatherings foster a sense of belonging and shared history. So, as you stand within Woodside Park, remember the layers of stories beneath your feet. From a country estate to a collection of diverse homes, Woodside Park has evolved. It remains a place where community thrives amidst the rustling leaves and quiet streets.